Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- Two suspected U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan killed 15 people in the country's North Waziristan tribal region on Thursday, authorities said.

In the first strike, which occurred about 4 a.m., a drone fired eight missiles, a local political official told CNN. Two of the missiles struck near a vehicle in the village of Datta Khel, killing two suspected militants, the official said.

Hours later, another strike killed 13 people and destroyed two houses and two cars, according to intelligence officials, who asked not to be named because they are not authorized to speak to the media. They said the death toll is likely to rise.

The U.S. military routinely offers no comment on reported drone attacks. However, it is the only country operating in the region known to have the ability to launch missiles from drones, which are controlled remotely.